This dish is super easy and quick! to make. You probably already have all of the ingredients on hand and it takes less than 20 minutes to make. With this cheesy pasta dish, you'll be cheesin' in no time. Recipe: Easy Chicken Alfredo Penne.

Who doesn't like fried rice? With brown rice, peas, carrots, eggs and scallions, this dish is a classic. This veggie fried rice is also a great call if you get home hungry — Instant Pot to the rescue! Recipe: Healthier Veggie Fried Rice. Let's just face the facts: quinoa in salad is elite.

This salad is a vegetarian's dream, with a refreshing combo of cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach. Top it all off with a lemony dressing to really seal the deal.

Recipe: Avocado Quinoa Power Salad. Stir-fry is always a good idea. This recipe is flexible, since we all know stir-fry can be made with everything and the kitchen sink and still taste delicious! You can even switch out the rice for noodles for a change in texture.

This recipe is easy and delicious — and, even better, you can swap out some of the vegetables for ones already in your fridge. If you have tofu, dijon, and something green, you are most of the way there. Get scrambling! Recipe: Tofu Scramble. It only takes 15 minutes to whip up this simple-but-satisfying masterpiece.

Plus, the whole recipe only requires one pan. So not only will cooking be easy, but so will clean up! Recipe: Cheese Tortellini in Creamy Marinara. Craving sushi but don't want to go out? We got you. Even better, the recipe is flexible, so you can swap out the veggies or protein for whatever you happen to have on hand.

Recipe: Sushi Bowl. The recipe calls for a mixture of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, but of course you can swap in whatever canned beans or grains that are already in your kitchen. Recipe: Vegan 3-Bean Chili. Recipe: Egg Pizza With Scallions. This hearty chickpea masala is the perfect recipe for vegetarians and can be prepared spicy or mild, depending on your taste.

The recipe calls for a splash of heavy cream, but you can use coconut milk to keep it vegan. Recipe: Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala. This easy, kid-friendly dish starts with crescent roll dough on the bottom, then it's loaded with ground beef, cheese, and any of your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe: Taco Pizza. This recipe uses baby kale to stuff the toast cups, but feel free to use spinach or arugula if kale isn't your favorite. Recipe: Bacon and Egg Toast Cups. Feel free to use any hearty veggies you have on hand in place of the beets and radishes. Brussels sprouts, diced sweet potatoes, and carrots would all work well.

Recipe: Baked Eggs With Roasted Vegetables. This creamy mac 'n' cheese is loaded with all kinds of good stuff, like white cheddar, broccoli, and seared chicken. Leave out the chicken. Broccoli isn't your favorite? Feel free to substitute it with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Recipe: White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheese With Chicken and Broccoli. This baby is everything you love about caprese and grilled cheese crammed into one delicious sandwich. Serve it with salad or soup, and you've got yourself a dinner that's both fancy and budget-friendly.

Recipe: Caprese Grilled Cheese. This recipe calls for a lot of basic ingredients you'll already have in the pantry. It makes six to eight servings too, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch all week. Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup. Dal is a timeless classic — and this version is an ideal starter if you've never made it before.

You only need a handful of ingredients, and the whole thing only takes 20 minutes. The original recipe calls for red split lentils, but if you want to get more creative, add some French lentils, too. Recipe: Dal. Black bean patties are one of the most popular alternatives to meat.

They're also pretty easy to make. Recipe: Black Bean Burgers. Recipe: Tuna Melt. Pair it with any greens you have handy! Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. By Amanda Lauren. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!

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These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Accept All Reject All Show Purposes. The kids have them for a snack almost daily! Bananas are another inexpensive fruit option.

Look for markdowns on bananas that are slightly over-ripe and freeze them to use in banana bread and smoothies. However, depending on the time of year you can score other fruits for great deals: oranges and other citrus in the winter gotta get in that vitamin c!

Always check your local grocery store ads to see where you can get the best deal! Frozen green beans, peas, etc.

Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money! But be sure to prep and wash it so that it actually gets eaten! I like to keep it on hand for making soup.

I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option. Check the ad for your local store to see what fresh produce is on sale! I often see sales for green peppers, asparagus, and more. Cooking a whole chicken and deboning it is a bit of extra work but it will save you money on your groceries!

I like to cook whole chickens in my crockpot. Chicken breasts are not the cheapest cut of chicken but if you stretch them ie: one chicken breast cut up with tons of veggies for stir fry they can be quite cost effective.

Chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive and are very flavorful. Change Your Life Chicken is a fabulous recipe for chicken thighs! Who else grew up eating tuna fish sandwiches? I like it mixed with a bit of mayo and chopped tomatoes and served with crackers.

I like to wait for a good sale and then stock up! Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. A little can go a long way in dishes like a breakfast casserole for example, making it very cost effective, especially if you purchase it on sale.

Hotdogs could also be used in similar ways! Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein. I say can because lately in my area the price of eggs has more than doubled.

So, take this one with a grain of salt and be sure to check your local prices for eggs. Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice with a lot of health benefits and is still a great cheap food. I cook my brown rice with this method and it turns out perfectly every time!

I use them often for oatmeal, baked oatmeal , granola , cookies, muffins, and even in meatloaf! While the very cheapest bread is not going to have the most nutritional value, watch for markdowns on nicer loaves made with whole grains.

Check the different stores around you to see which ones have a markdown cart in their bakery section — many of them do! Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals.

At a dollar or less a box in my area pasta is a great way to add something filling to your meal without spending a lot of money. I always like to have a few jars of pasta sauce in my pantry. Peanut butter is an absolute staple in our home. Again, buy the store-brand or use coupons for the more expensive stuff.

Canned tomatoes are definitely an important pantry staple. I use them the most often for recipes like Taco Soup. Nothing like a bowl of cereal when you need a quick meal, am I right? And it beats ramen noodles in my opinion! Not all cereal is cheap of course, but if you look for the store-brand you can always find some varieties that are very inexpensive.

Store-brand pretzels are relatively cheap sometimes just a dollar for a bag and make a great snack option, especially if you have kids. A well-stocked pantry should always include some basic baking goods like:.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Apples Apples are one of the cheaper fruit options and are one of the staple favorite foods in our home.

Bananas Bananas are another inexpensive fruit option. Frozen Vegetables Frozen green beans, peas, etc. Carrots Carrots are a staple around here. Healthy and cheap, they make the perfect snack! Lettuce Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money!

Thankfully they are very economical. Potatoes I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option. Whatever fresh vegetables are on sale Check the ad for your local store to see what fresh produce is on sale!

Whole Chicken Cooking a whole chicken and deboning it is a bit of extra work but it will save you money on your groceries! Chicken Breasts Chicken breasts are not the cheapest cut of chicken but if you stretch them ie: one chicken breast cut up with tons of veggies for stir fry they can be quite cost effective.

Chicken Thighs Chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive and are very flavorful. Canned Tuna Who else grew up eating tuna fish sandwiches?

Smoked Sausage Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. Eggs Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein. Lentils Again, another great, cheap protein option!

Brown Rice Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice with a lot of health benefits and is still a great cheap food.

Bread While the very cheapest bread is not going to have the most nutritional value, watch for markdowns on nicer loaves made with whole grains. Tortillas Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals.

Pasta At a dollar or less a box in my area pasta is a great way to add something filling to your meal without spending a lot of money. Pasta Sauce I always like to have a few jars of pasta sauce in my pantry.

Peanut Butter Peanut butter is an absolute staple in our home. Canned Tomatoes Canned tomatoes are definitely an important pantry staple.

Cereal Nothing like a bowl of cereal when you need a quick meal, am I right? Pretzels Store-brand pretzels are relatively cheap sometimes just a dollar for a bag and make a great snack option, especially if you have kids. Basic Spices Make those inexpensive chicken thighs taste extra good by using some basic, inexpensive spices like chili powder, garlic powder, etc.

Read this. Chicken salad sandwiches Tuna sandwiches Roasted chicken Leftover chicken or tuna on salad Ground beef fried rice Chicken fried rice Stir fry Creamed chicken add shredded chicken to a simple white sauce, serve on rice or toast Teriyaki chicken Chicken soup make the broth from the leftover chicken carcass, add cooked rice or spaghetti noodles to make it more filling White chili you can use whatever kind of beans you have, just cook them first Roasted veggies and chicken thighs Spaghetti Beans and rice use this recipe to get perfectly cooked brown rice every time!

Pin Previous Post: « Vacation Budget Planner Worksheet Free Printable. Comments This is a great post! I need to pay more attention to sales cycles!! Definitely an area where I need to learn more!

Great ways to stay frugal and healthy in your grocery shopping! Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Join the community! Sign up here to get my weekly emails and keep up to date with what's going on here on the blog!

Footer Let's connect! Mom life is better with friends. Oh, and coffee too. Bloglovin Facebook Instagram Pinterest. Missed Something? Craving homemade enchiladas and being in a hurry aren't really compatible since the classic Mexican dish requires many steps and a fair amount of time.

Enter these chicken enchiladas , a quick take on the dish that comes together in one skillet. Get the Green Chile Chicken Skillet Enchiladas recipe. A classic nostalgic comfort dish , goulash is the hearty weeknight dinner we'll always crave. The best thing about it? Everything cooks together in one pot —even the pasta!

Get the Goulash recipe. Focusing on only 3 key ingredients, our chicken fajita recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, meaning dinner on the table FAST. Follow our classic recipe for our best-ever version or use it as a jumping-off point to experiment with your favorite proteins, veggies, and toppings.

Get the Chicken Fajitas recipe. This sheet pan dinner works with whatever veggies you already have and requires basically zero effort.

Most of the time spent is waiting while the sheet pan is in the oven, and there are minimal dishes to clean when it's all said and done. What more could you need? Craving BBQ pulled chicken? Good news—this slow-cooker recipe makes it easier than ever to create delicious, tender, and extra-flavorful pulled chicken right at home with minimal effort.

Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe. Get the Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe. We've all been there: You're craving homemade pizza , but you want it fast —no time to deal with rolling out finicky pizza dough.

The solution? Grab a loaf of French bread , and get ready for the pizza hack of a lifetime. Get the French Bread Pizza recipe. This is probably THE simplest recipe The chicken falls apart and becomes immensely tender, flavored with the familiar flavors of chunky salsa and taco seasoning , and brightened up with bursts of lime juice.

Serve this over rice, in lettuce cups, as tacos Get the Crockpot Salsa Chicken recipe. Tostadas might just be the perfect meal—these crunchy corn tortillas are easy to buy or make! AND they can act as a vehicle for whatever toppings you like.

Here, that means creamy refried beans and a chile-spiked shredded chicken topping, but feel free to get creative. You can also save the liquid from the can and use it as a cheap egg replacer in baked goods. Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, and a jar goes a long way.

Peanut butter can be spread on bread and fruit or eaten by the spoonful for an instant protein boost. Yogurt is an affordable option that provides protein and calcium. Buying plain yogurt in large containers is most economical. Yogurt can be topped with affordable granola or fruit for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Check Out: 8 Best New Items at Five Below in January. In-season fresh fruits like bananas and apples are usually available at low cost. Fruit provides important vitamins and fiber and gives an energy boost. Keeping a stash of frozen fruit means you can always have berries, mangos, etc.

Frozen fruit is nutritious and more affordable. Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, versatile and nutritious. Roast them with olive oil or make them into fries, add to soups and stews, or mash them as a side. Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right.

Related: 11 Pantry Items To Buy at Dollar Tree. Granola bars contain whole grains, protein and other nutrients. They provide energy on the go and keep you satisfied between meals. Buying store brand boxes in bulk keeps costs down.

Pre-made breakfast bowls offer an affordable way to get a hearty, balanced morning meal with protein, grains and fruit without the restaurant price tag. Frozen breakfast burritos offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a hot breakfast sandwich at home. They have eggs, cheese, meat, and veggies wrapped up for convenience.

Potatoes are very versatile and affordable. They can be prepared mashed, baked, fried or roasted and included in many different meals to add bulk and nutrients and to fill you up. Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand. It can be used to make tuna salad, included in pasta dishes, mixed into salads or eaten straight out of the can in a pinch.

They keep a long time in the freezer. Rice is a pantry staple that provides energy and fills you up.

Brown rice is a fantastic, cheap food that provides fiber, vitamins and minerals. It consists mostly of carbs , with 3. The health benefits of brown rice include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as promoting weight control 43 , 47 , 48 , Including brown rice in your diet is simple.

It is quite easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with just about any meal. It contains an impressive amount of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium Fiber promotes fullness and may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , The combination of fiber, vitamins and minerals in oatmeal may have the potential to reduce the risk of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity 50 , 56 , 57 , In general, oats are enjoyed as a breakfast food.

You can combine them with fruit, milk, yogurt and several other ingredients for a healthy and delicious meal. Canned beans are budget friendly, in addition to being very nutritious. Beans contain a significant amount of fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium and potassium Furthermore, they are an excellent source of plant-based protein.

There are Protein is beneficial for weight maintenance and muscle strength 60 , Consuming beans and other legumes is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is likely due to their ability to lower cholesterol and promote blood sugar control 62 , 63 , Beans can be incorporated into just about any dish.

They are commonly added to soups, salads and burritos. They also contain an impressive amount of protein and fiber, which is why they are so filling and helpful for weight control This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer Research also suggests that eating lentils is associated with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important for preventing heart disease The use of lentils is similar to that of beans, and there are several ways that they can be incorporated into the diet, such as in salads and soups.

Edamame is a healthy food with a fairly low price. Studies show that edamame and other soy-based foods may help lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

This is often attributed to their content of isoflavones, which function as antioxidants in the body 70 , 71 , Most often, edamame is prepared as a steamed side dish. You can increase its flavor by adding seasonings of your choice.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein , which means it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs. This sets it apart from other grains, which need to be paired with other foods to be considered complete protein sources. Also, quinoa contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, manganese, zinc and several other trace minerals, all of which protect your cells from damage that often leads to disease The health-promoting properties of quinoa have been shown to promote brain health and may help prevent the development of heart disease 74 , Quinoa is also a great nutrient-dense grain that is safe for people with celiac disease The use of quinoa in cooking is similar to that of rice.

With only 31 calories per cup 8 grams , you can eat a lot of it without gaining weight Furthermore, popcorn provides some filling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as a fair amount of B vitamins and magnesium To make air-popped popcorn, place one-fourth cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag and heat it in the microwave until it stops popping.

Add toppings of your choice, such as olive oil, sea salt or Parmesan cheese. They are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese Additionally, bananas provide a decent amount of fiber, which may benefit digestive health, promote weight loss and protect against diabetes 20 , You can enjoy bananas as a quick snack food.

They also taste great combined with peanut butter or yogurt. They are prized for their vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, antioxidants and lots of other nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium and potassium Consuming oranges and other fruits on a regular basis has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, thus lowering the risk of several conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity 80 , It is simple to add oranges to your diet.

They are fairly convenient and can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or mixed with yogurt, salads and smoothies. Berries are nutrition superstars and reasonably priced when you purchase them frozen. Their incredible antioxidant content makes them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. In fact, berries are considered to be one of the best sources of natural antioxidants To reap the health benefits of berries, try to include them in your diet regularly.

They make for a delicious snack or healthy dessert and can be added to smoothies and salads. One medium apple contains two grams of fiber, which is mostly responsible for the positive effects that apples have been shown to have on serum cholesterol levels 89 , Moreover, apples provide some vitamin C, B vitamins and trace minerals, as well as several antioxidants.

Eating them regularly may help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases 85 , 89 , Get the Chicken Fajitas recipe.

This sheet pan dinner works with whatever veggies you already have and requires basically zero effort. Most of the time spent is waiting while the sheet pan is in the oven, and there are minimal dishes to clean when it's all said and done.

What more could you need? Craving BBQ pulled chicken? Good news—this slow-cooker recipe makes it easier than ever to create delicious, tender, and extra-flavorful pulled chicken right at home with minimal effort. Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe.

Get the Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe. We've all been there: You're craving homemade pizza , but you want it fast —no time to deal with rolling out finicky pizza dough.

The solution? Grab a loaf of French bread , and get ready for the pizza hack of a lifetime. Get the French Bread Pizza recipe. This is probably THE simplest recipe The chicken falls apart and becomes immensely tender, flavored with the familiar flavors of chunky salsa and taco seasoning , and brightened up with bursts of lime juice.

Serve this over rice, in lettuce cups, as tacos Get the Crockpot Salsa Chicken recipe. Tostadas might just be the perfect meal—these crunchy corn tortillas are easy to buy or make! AND they can act as a vehicle for whatever toppings you like. Here, that means creamy refried beans and a chile-spiked shredded chicken topping, but feel free to get creative.

Get the Chicken Tostadas recipe. Use your favorite jarred or homemade salsa verde to make this extremely easy and flavorful dish. Everything cooks in the same pot for a mess-free and, most importantly, quick weeknight dinner. It's about to be one of your new favorites.

Juicy pork tenderloin seriously deserves its own spotlight. We keep the seasoning simple here: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder. If you want another flavor profile, the world is your oyster: oregano and Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning , or even just salt and black pepper will do.

Get the Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe. Is there anything better than a one-skillet meal? This creamy mac 'n' cheese is loaded with all kinds of good stuff, like white cheddar, broccoli, and seared chicken.

Leave out the chicken. Broccoli isn't your favorite? Feel free to substitute it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Recipe: White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheese With Chicken and Broccoli.

This baby is everything you love about caprese and grilled cheese crammed into one delicious sandwich. Serve it with salad or soup, and you've got yourself a dinner that's both fancy and budget-friendly. Recipe: Caprese Grilled Cheese. This recipe calls for a lot of basic ingredients you'll already have in the pantry.

It makes six to eight servings too, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch all week. Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup. Dal is a timeless classic — and this version is an ideal starter if you've never made it before.

You only need a handful of ingredients, and the whole thing only takes 20 minutes. The original recipe calls for red split lentils, but if you want to get more creative, add some French lentils, too. Recipe: Dal. Black bean patties are one of the most popular alternatives to meat.

They're also pretty easy to make. Recipe: Black Bean Burgers. Recipe: Tuna Melt. Pair it with any greens you have handy! Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken. Tangy, spicy kimchi or Korean-style fermented vegetables is another way to add a ton of flavor to a dish for not a lot of money.

Keep a jar stocked in the fridge, then work it into fried rice, noodle bowls, or burgers. Recipe: Minute Kimchi Fried Rice. Recipe: Rice Bowl With Fried Egg And Avocado. Recipe: Southwest Turkey, Vegetable, and Rice Skillet.

This recipe calls for only three ingredients, and you can always add a protein to the mix if you want. Recipe: Creamy Tomato Shells. Recipe: Chicken Pesto Bowls. Recipe: Zucchini Corn Quesadillas. Recipe: One-Pan Pizza Chicken. Recipe: Super-Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Recipe: One-Pot Caprese Chicken Pasta. Recipe: Vegan Creamy Kale Pasta. Recipe: Greek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Recipe: One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac 'n' Cheese.

Recipe: Spicy Chipotle Buddha Bowl With Cauliflower Rice. Recipe: Chicken and Mandarin Salad With Simple Sesame Dressing. Recipe: 5-Ingredient Coconut Curry. Recipe: Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro With Shrimp. Recipe: Vegetarian Sheet Pan Zucchini Parmesan. Recipe: Vegetable Enchilada Casserole.

The recipe calls for both whole wheat spaghetti and zucchini noodles, but you can skip the spaghetti if you want to go fully low-carb.

Recipe: Burst Tomato and Zucchini Spaghetti With Avocado Sauce. Recipe: Amazing Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos. Recipe: P. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps. A super-straightforward weeknight dinner that you can serve with grilled chicken if you want some added protein. Recipe: Orzo With Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers.

Introducing your new favorite pasta sauce, made with nothing more than egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon.

Recipe: Pappardelle Al Limone. This recipe calls for tofu, broccoli, and sweet potato, but you can always swap in whatever protein and veggies you like best. Recipe: 5-Ingredient Thai Green Curry. Orzo, sliced sausage, bell pepper, heavy cream, and a handful of spices are all there is to this Cajun-inspired skillet.

Recipe: Sausage and Creamy Cajun Orzo Skillet. Grab some chicken broth, rotisserie chicken, canned diced tomatoes, ranch dressing, and canned fiesta corn mix to make this heartwarming chicken soup with a Mexican flair. Recipe: 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Have toast for dinner, but make it fancy with this mixture of artichoke hearts, spinach white beans, and basil mashed into a creamy and savory spread.

Recipe: White Bean and Artichoke Basil Toasts. Don't let the ingredient list overwhelm you. All you really need to make these fajitas are portobello mushrooms, peppers, onion, and tortillas.

Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. Oatmeal can be customized sweet or savory and makes a warm, comforting breakfast. Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables. Use it to make homemade coleslaw, stir-fry, soup or roasted as a side.

Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein. They are endlessly versatile and can be prepared simply or incorporated into larger dishes. Hard-boiled eggs also make a convenient high-protein snack.

Canned chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Rinse and toss them into salads, grain bowls, soups and hummus, or eat them right out of the can.

You can also save the liquid from the can and use it as a cheap egg replacer in baked goods. Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, and a jar goes a long way. Peanut butter can be spread on bread and fruit or eaten by the spoonful for an instant protein boost. Yogurt is an affordable option that provides protein and calcium.

Buying plain yogurt in large containers is most economical. Yogurt can be topped with affordable granola or fruit for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Check Out: 8 Best New Items at Five Below in January. In-season fresh fruits like bananas and apples are usually available at low cost. Fruit provides important vitamins and fiber and gives an energy boost. Keeping a stash of frozen fruit means you can always have berries, mangos, etc.

Frozen fruit is nutritious and more affordable. Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, versatile and nutritious. Roast them with olive oil or make them into fries, add to soups and stews, or mash them as a side. Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right.

Related: 11 Pantry Items To Buy at Dollar Tree. Granola bars contain whole grains, protein and other nutrients. They provide energy on the go and keep you satisfied between meals. Buying store brand boxes in bulk keeps costs down. Pre-made breakfast bowls offer an affordable way to get a hearty, balanced morning meal with protein, grains and fruit without the restaurant price tag.

Frozen breakfast burritos offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a hot breakfast sandwich at home. They have eggs, cheese, meat, and veggies wrapped up for convenience.

Potatoes are very versatile and affordable. They can be prepared mashed, baked, fried or roasted and included in many different meals to add bulk and nutrients and to fill you up. Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand.

It can be used to make tuna salad, included in pasta dishes, mixed into salads or eaten straight out of the can in a pinch. They keep a long time in the freezer. Rice is a pantry staple that provides energy and fills you up.

Rice keeps for a long time and goes with sauces, beans, meats and veggies. Basic pasta sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars.

Transforming pasta into a tasty meal is as easy as heating up some sauce and tossing with noodles. Add protein or veggies if you have any. Read: 7 Must-Buy Grocery Items at Aldi in January. This recipe makes 4 servings, so you can have it as leftovers, invite friends over, or eat it all — we wouldn't blame you.

Recipe: Pesto Chicken Bake. Great news! This dish is super easy and quick! to make. You probably already have all of the ingredients on hand and it takes less than 20 minutes to make. With this cheesy pasta dish, you'll be cheesin' in no time.

Recipe: Easy Chicken Alfredo Penne. Who doesn't like fried rice? With brown rice, peas, carrots, eggs and scallions, this dish is a classic.

This veggie fried rice is also a great call if you get home hungry — Instant Pot to the rescue! Recipe: Healthier Veggie Fried Rice.

Let's just face the facts: quinoa in salad is elite. This salad is a vegetarian's dream, with a refreshing combo of cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach.

Top it all off with a lemony dressing to really seal the deal. Recipe: Avocado Quinoa Power Salad. Stir-fry is always a good idea. This recipe is flexible, since we all know stir-fry can be made with everything and the kitchen sink and still taste delicious!

You can even switch out the rice for noodles for a change in texture. This recipe is easy and delicious — and, even better, you can swap out some of the vegetables for ones already in your fridge. If you have tofu, dijon, and something green, you are most of the way there.

Get scrambling! Recipe: Tofu Scramble. It only takes 15 minutes to whip up this simple-but-satisfying masterpiece. Plus, the whole recipe only requires one pan. So not only will cooking be easy, but so will clean up! Recipe: Cheese Tortellini in Creamy Marinara.

Craving sushi but don't want to go out? We got you. Even better, the recipe is flexible, so you can swap out the veggies or protein for whatever you happen to have on hand.

Recipe: Sushi Bowl. The recipe calls for a mixture of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, but of course you can swap in whatever canned beans or grains that are already in your kitchen.

Recipe: Vegan 3-Bean Chili. Recipe: Egg Pizza With Scallions. This hearty chickpea masala is the perfect recipe for vegetarians and can be prepared spicy or mild, depending on your taste.

The recipe calls for a splash of heavy cream, but you can use coconut milk to keep it vegan. Recipe: Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala. This easy, kid-friendly dish starts with crescent roll dough on the bottom, then it's loaded with ground beef, cheese, and any of your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe: Taco Pizza. This recipe uses baby kale to stuff the toast cups, but feel free to use spinach or arugula if kale isn't your favorite. Recipe: Bacon and Egg Toast Cups.

Feel free to use any hearty veggies you have on hand in place of the beets and radishes. Brussels sprouts, diced sweet potatoes, and carrots would all work well. Recipe: Baked Eggs With Roasted Vegetables. This creamy mac 'n' cheese is loaded with all kinds of good stuff, like white cheddar, broccoli, and seared chicken.

Leave out the chicken. Broccoli isn't your favorite? Feel free to substitute it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Recipe: White Cheddar Mac 'n' Cheese With Chicken and Broccoli.

This baby is everything you love about caprese and grilled cheese crammed into one delicious sandwich. Serve it with salad or soup, and you've got yourself a dinner that's both fancy and budget-friendly.

Recipe: Caprese Grilled Cheese. This recipe calls for a lot of basic ingredients you'll already have in the pantry. It makes six to eight servings too, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch all week.

Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup. Dal is a timeless classic — and this version is an ideal starter if you've never made it before. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the whole thing only takes 20 minutes.

The original recipe calls for red split lentils, but if you want to get more creative, add some French lentils, too. Recipe: Dal. Black bean patties are one of the most popular alternatives to meat.

They're also pretty easy to make. Recipe: Black Bean Burgers. Recipe: Tuna Melt. Pair it with any greens you have handy! Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken. Tangy, spicy kimchi or Korean-style fermented vegetables is another way to add a ton of flavor to a dish for not a lot of money.

Keep a jar stocked in the fridge, then work it into fried rice, noodle bowls, or burgers. Recipe: Minute Kimchi Fried Rice. Recipe: Rice Bowl With Fried Egg And Avocado. Recipe: Southwest Turkey, Vegetable, and Rice Skillet.

This recipe calls for only three ingredients, and you can always add a protein to the mix if you want. Recipe: Creamy Tomato Shells. Recipe: Chicken Pesto Bowls. Recipe: Zucchini Corn Quesadillas. Recipe: One-Pan Pizza Chicken.

Recipe: Super-Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad. Recipe: One-Pot Caprese Chicken Pasta. Recipe: Vegan Creamy Kale Pasta. Recipe: Greek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

Recipe: One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac 'n' Cheese. Recipe: Spicy Chipotle Buddha Bowl With Cauliflower Rice. Recipe: Chicken and Mandarin Salad With Simple Sesame Dressing. Recipe: 5-Ingredient Coconut Curry. Recipe: Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro With Shrimp.

Recipe: Vegetarian Sheet Pan Zucchini Parmesan. Recipe: Vegetable Enchilada Casserole. The recipe calls for both whole wheat spaghetti and zucchini noodles, but you can skip the spaghetti if you want to go fully low-carb.

Recipe: Burst Tomato and Zucchini Spaghetti With Avocado Sauce. Recipe: Amazing Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos. Recipe: P. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps. A super-straightforward weeknight dinner that you can serve with grilled chicken if you want some added protein.